Oregon head coach Mark Helfrich was pleased with how things went during afternoon practice of fall camp, touching on the level of energy and synergy among players and coaches during competition day.
“Really good day of competition,” Helfrich said. “Had a really good morning practice session just in helmets … and then a bunch of situational stuff this afternoon that we just can’t get enough of. We’re still in the phase of getting a bunch of young guys looks and competitive reps … when you create down and distance situations, field position situations, the more the better.”
When asked if anything stood out to Helfrich during practice, he touched on energy and self-policing.
“I loved our energy. We’re really starting to coach each other and discipline each other and take care of some things – whatever it is, running on and off the field or getting lined up or communicating … just kind of all the stuff that comes up. But I really liked our energy.”
Running backs coach Gary Campbell talked briefly about the development of sophomore running back Byron Marshall.
“He’s a smart football player,” Campbell said. “He’s football savvy. He’s got really good hands … he’s big enough that he can block. He’s got good balance, he’s got good power and he’s got adequate speed, so he’s got a little bit of everything it takes to be a well-rounded back.”
It’s assumed that Marshall will fill the starting running back position vacated by Kenjon Barner and get a majority of the carries this season, while sharing some backfield time with De’Anthony Thomas.
Although Scott Frost is now the quarterbacks coach, he’s still familiar with the wide receivers he used to coach and he discussed the progression of sophomore wide receiver Bralon Addison.
“Bralon’s having a tremendous camp,” Frost said. “We were expecting a lot of him after having a good spring, but he’s put even more together in fall camp. He’s been one of our best weapons out there.”
Helfrich seems comfortable in his new role and even handled injury questions just like his predecessor. When asked about his visit with trainers regarding freshman running back Thomas Tyner’s injury, Helfirch replied, “It went great, thanks for asking. I appreciate that.”